Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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437. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if works will be carried out at the Canal at Ross Castle (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13461/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department has engaged locally with representatives of the relevant stakeholders and positive discussions about the issues have taken place. I am aware that the scale of the works will be significant and that the site being located within a designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC) will make this more complex.

The NPWS is in the process of securing the necessary surveys to establish the extent of works in the canal and the plan is to proceed with all the investigative works now prior to the engagement of contractors. As a matter of routine maintenance, the NPWS will be clearing the Bunrower end of the canal. As these works are not connected with or necessary for the management of the site a screening assessment will be carried out when the details of the works are established, and the NPWS will continue to engage with the representatives of the stakeholders on progress.

It is worthwhile to note also that the NPWS maintained an open channel to the Canal at Ross last year to allow boat access and will continue to do so in the interim. The maintained channel is at the Bunrower end of the canal and allows access throughout the year both ways from Lough Leane and from the canal.